A Remake of Triffids?

LONDON — Dougray Scott, Joely Richardson, Brian Cox, Vanessa Redgrave, Eddie Izzard and Jason Priestley are to star in a TV remake of the apocalyptic sci-fi drama “The Day of the Triffids,” based on the 1951 John Wyndham classic sci-fi novel.

The two-part apocalyptic drama, scripted by Patrick Harbinson and produced by Power Television and Canadian producer Prodigy Pictures, is in production and will air on BBC1 this year. RHI Entertainment holds rights for the U.S.

Scott will play Bill Maysen, a doctor who has to lead a band of humans in an epic battle with the Triffids, a flesh-eating vegetable originally used as an energy source. When spectators gather worldwide for a much-anticipated solar storm, billions are left blinded and the few sighted survivors watch as society collapses into chaos.

The Triffids, meanwhile, find their way out of captivity, roaming the planet with a fatal sting, and taste for human flesh.

BBC Wales head of drama Julie Gardner said audiences would be “captivated.”

“The incredible cast lined up for ‘The Day of the Triffids’ is a testament to the quality of Patrick Harbinson’s script. We hope audiences, both old and new, will be captivated by this modern take on John Wyndham’s classic best-selling novel,” she said.

“Together with its amazing effects and iconic locations, it will deliver the drama miniseries event of 2009,” added Power chief executive Justin Bodle, who also will exec produce the show.

“Triffids” also will be shown on BBC HD, the BBC’s high-definition channel available through Freesat, Sky and Virgin Media.